CHANDIGARH: The Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Chandigarh Skill Development Mission (CSDM), National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi (CLKA), organised an inclusive pottery workshop-cum-competition at the Drug De-addiction and Treatment Centre (DDTC), PGIMER, under its SAMARTH – Shaping Clay, Nurturing Minds initiative.
The initiative aims to integrate mental health awareness with creative expression, skill development, vocational rehabilitation and employment opportunities, fostering confidence, resilience and social inclusion among individuals with mental health conditions.
The workshop brought together 30 participants, including 10 from PGIMER and 20 students from CSDM-associated institutions, including CCET, Sector 26; Government Polytechnic for Women, Sector 10; GITI, Sector 28; and GITIW, Sector 11. Participants engaged in pottery and clay modelling activities designed to encourage concentration, creativity, practical skills and social interaction. A competition and prize distribution ceremony were also held, and all participants received certificates.
Dr. Subho Chakrabarti, Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, said mental health care must go beyond symptom management to help individuals rebuild confidence, recognise their strengths and participate meaningfully in society. He emphasised that SAMARTH seeks to connect mental health awareness and creative activities with skill development and employment opportunities, promoting independence, dignity and inclusion.
The workshop was conducted by senior city sculptor Tulsi Ram, along with young sculptors Chandini and Sahil, with support from Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi. Working with clay provided participants an opportunity for sensory engagement, creative exploration and focused activity in a supportive group environment.
A key feature of SAMARTH is its two-way learning approach. PGIMER mental health professionals have conducted sessions on mental health awareness and stress management for students, while CSDM has oriented faculty members, resident doctors and professional staff of the Department of Psychiatry on skill development programmes, vocational rehabilitation and employment pathways for patients and caregivers. NSDC has also conducted sessions on national skilling initiatives, future skills, certification frameworks and formal training programmes.
Since April 2026, PGIMER and CSDM have organised collaborative programmes at CCET, Sector 26; Government Polytechnic, Sector 10; GITI, Sector 11; and GITI, Sector 28. The programmes have covered youth mental health, stress management, substance-use prevention, responsible behaviour and online and offline opportunities. Vocational guidance, individual skill and employability counselling, and rehabilitation-linked awareness activities have also been undertaken. Three job fairs were organised to facilitate employment opportunities.
The collaboration also aims to facilitate tailored vocational training, with appropriate accommodations wherever needed, and explore “Train and Place” and “Place and Train” models through workplace support and industry partnerships.
Under the proposed From Uncertainty to Direction framework, individuals will be guided towards suitable training and employment opportunities through platforms such as the National Career Service, Skill India Digital Hub and SWAYAM, as well as job fairs and vocational institutions, including GITI, Sector 28-C; GITI for Women, Sector 11; and Jan Shikshan Sansthan, Sector 38-C, Chandigarh.
Through SAMARTH, PGIMER and its partners seek to strengthen the connection between mental health care, vocational skills and sustainable livelihoods, helping individuals build confidence, achieve greater independence and participate more fully in society.